LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Gov. Mike Beebe yesterday proclaimed September as Arkansas Rice Month. During the signing presentation, the Arkansas rice industry donated more than 100,000 pounds of rice to the state. The annual Arkansas rice crop produces nearly 10 billion pounds of rice, generates more than $1 billion in economic activity and accounts for thousands of jobs, as well as providing habitat for wetlands-dependent wildlife species, such as ducks, geese, cranes and others.

Arkansas Rice Council President Steve Orlicek, a rice farmer from Stuttgart, AR, thanked Gov. Beebe for recognizing the importance of the rice industry and designating September as Arkansas Rice Month. Arkansas is the largest rice-producing state in the United States. Also attending were Miss Arkansas Rice Meredith Williams and rice industry representatives.